Zoloft

By Christine Daniel

Some information about Zoloft… Zoloft is the brand name for Sertraline. Sertraline

belongs to a group of medications known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake inhibitors.

It is used to treat depression, panic disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Zoloft modifies your brain chemistry and evaluates your moods, reduces panic attacks, and treats OCD.

It is recommended to speak to your doctor before you terminate taking the pill.

Zoloft is an inhibitor. Inhibitors slow down the neurotransmitters being released and sent to other neurons .

If taking Zoloft… The usual recommended does range is around 50mg-200mg once

everyday. The pill is to be taken whole and with a big meal. It is recommended to take it in the evening with dinner but some prefer

in the morning with a big breakfast. To see improvements it occurs around the 4 week mark but may occur

earlier. The amount of the dose is affected byt things such as body weight,

medications already being taken, and any medical problems. It is very important to take this pill everyday, if a pill was missed take it

as soon as possible. If it is close to taking the pill at your scheduled time then miss the missed pill and continue with your scheduled intake.

It is very important not to overdose and take two pills. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose consult your doctor!!

You should not take Zoloft if…

You are allergic to Sertraline or to any of the ingredients in the medication.

You are taking an MAO inhibitor or have taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days.

You are taking Pimozide.

Side effects… Contact your doctor if you experience any of these side effects!

decreased sexual desire or ability diarrhea dizziness

drowsiness dry mouth headache heartburn

increased sweating loss of appetite

nausea nervousness

sleep disturbance tremor (shakiness)

•Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. Consult with your doctor right away!

Rare side effects…

These side effects are very rare. Although they may lead to serious medical problems.

CALL DOCTOR ASAP!

•abnormal burning or prickling sensation (usually found in hands, arms, legs, or feet, but may occur anywhere in the body) •abnormal increase in muscle tension •breast tenderness or enlargement •changes in vision, including blurred vision •decreased touch sensitivity •fast or irregular heartbeat •fast talking and excited feelings or actions that are out of control •feeling of detachment from self •fever •inability to sit still •low blood sodium (confusion, seizures, drowsiness, dryness of mouth, increased thirst, lack of energy) •muscle pain

nosebleeds paranoia (suspicions of people,

organizations, or situations, with no basis in reality)

red or purple spots on skin ringing in ears twitching unusual or sudden body or facial

movements or postures unusual secretion of milk (in women)

Signs if you are allergic to Zoloft… These may occur once you stop taking Zoloft. If any of these occur talk

to your doctor because you may be allergic to the medication.

abnormal dreams agitation anxiety difficulty concentrating dizziness headache increased sweating nausea trembling or shaking sensations similar to electric shocks

Zoloft may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. People taking Zoloft should avoid driving or operating any dangerous machinery until told that the medication does not affect them in this way.

Discuss with your doctor if you should take this drug and how it might affect with your medical conditions, such as reduced kidney/liver functions or have a history of seizures.

Side effect will occur rapidly if you stop medication automatically. Talk to your doctor if you feel the need to stop the medication.

People taking this medication may start to feel agitated or may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may start to occur within several weeks of starting the drug. Normally the doctor will monitor you closely the first few weeks. Talk to your doctor if you start to feel agitated.

This drug should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking the medication talk to your doctor immediately. Some cases show that pregnant women taking this drug results in the newborns developing lung disorders.

It is unknown if Zoloft can be passed through breast-feeding, if you are breast-feeding and taking the drug, it may affect your baby as well. Talk to your doctor about continuing breast-feeding.

This drug is still hasn’t been established. Children under the age of 18 taking this drug experience behavioral and emotional changes such as suicidal thoughts and behavior. KEEP OUT OF REACH FOR CHILDREN!

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